2024-12-26 14:44:43The Next Night
Seraphina stood in front of the mirror, ensuring her makeup was flawless.
The maroon satin gown she had chosen elegantly hugged her figure, highlighting her grace without appearing excessive.
Her red lipstick added a bold touch, as if declaring that tonight, she was the center of attention.
After confirming her appearance was perfect, she stepped out toward the car waiting to take her to the airport.
At the VIP terminal, she watched Dominic’s private jet land.
The lights on the runway reflected off her car’s window.
When Dominic finally exited thecabin, Seraphina immediately walked to greet him.
Dominic, dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit, returned the greeting with a small nod.
They walked side by side toward the car.
Dominic glanced at Seraphina briefly, inwardly acknowledging that this woman knew how to command attention.
His gaze involuntarily swept up and down her curvaceous figure, filled with intense aggression.
However, Seraphina didn’t feel the slightest bit offended.
On the contrary, she took pride in her own charm, a seductive smile unconsciously appearing at the corner of her lips.
“You’re going to love Moont Hotel, Dominic.”
Seraphina said, her voice sweet, her smile beautiful.
“The best hotel in the state, designed to host special guests like you.”
Dominic gave a faint smile, his eyes greedily taking in her curvaceous figure.
“The hotel might be the best, however, I bet it’s nothing compared to your hospitality.”
He felt a secret joy in his heart.
This time, not only could he get a free ride to the pinnacle of power, but he could also win a beautiful woman.
He was confident that by taking over Morow State, it would only take a few years to boost its GDP to $30 trillion.
With that achievement, a cabinet position would be within his grasp—power and wealth following in his youth.
What a huge gain!
Fifteen minutes later, the car pulled up in front of the hotel.
Seraphina stepped into Moont Hotel’s lobby with Dominic at her side.
As they passed through the main doors, a man in his fifties, wearing a warm smile, approached them.
“Dominic Lancaster,” he greeted warmly, extending his hand.
“Welcome to Morow State.”
“Thank you for the welcome, Governor Darrus. It’s an honor to be here.”
Governor Darrus chuckled lightly, his tone casual yet clearly meaningful.
“The honor is ours. Your name has long been the talk in business and political circles. I’m confident your presence here will make a significant impact.”
Seraphina offered her graceful smile.
“Father, Dominic is a man of vision. I’m certain Morow State will learn a lot from him.”
Darrus glanced at his daughter with the proud eyes of a father, then returned his focus to Dominic.
“I don’t doubt that. However, before we delve into grand visions, why not enjoy the dinner first? Seraphina has arranged everything.”
Dominic nodded politely while reluctantly shifting his gaze away from Seraphina.
“With pleasure. And I’d also like to learn more about Morow State from you.”
After a brief conversation, they proceeded to the VIP dining room in the hotel.
The long dining table in the VIP room was adorned with an ivory-white silk tablecloth, tall silver candlesticks casting a soft, warm glow.
In the center, an arrangement of white and burgundy roses was perfectly crafted, adding a subtle touch of elegance.
The first course arrived in style, carried by staff dressed in formal uniforms.
Plates of gold-rimmed porcelain were served with lobster Thermidor, garnished with an abundance of black caviar.
The aroma of butter and white wine quickly filled the room.
Shortly after, foie gras was served in perfect slices, accompanied by a smooth raspberry sauce, enhancing the visual appeal and providing a contrasting flavor.
Then came the star dish of the evening: a whole roasted lamb.
Served on a large platter, the lamb was surrounded by vibrant vegetables roasted in herb butter.
It alone cost $30,000.
Although it couldn’t compare to the highest level of dishes back in the capital, Dominic was secretly satisfied.
It didn’t look cheap, and that meant it matched his high status.
However, he didn’t show his pride but nodded approvingly.
The finest wines were chosen to complement each course.
The first bottle opened was a 1990 Chateau Margaux, with complex aromas of grape and spice.
The staff poured it into crystal glasses, reflecting the candlelight in mesmerizing ruby hues.
Course after course followed: wild salmon with saffron sauce, truffle risotto with edible gold, and dessert featuring Valrhona chocolate cake topped with flakes of pure gold.
The total cost of the dinner reached $300,000.
“Hope you enjoyed the welcoming dinner.”
Seraphina smiled, purposefully seductive.
Good!
Dominic smiled proudly.
He felt his importance was now fully noticed by the father and daughter.
Just then, the dining room door slowly opened.
The Hotel Manager entered with an enthusiastic smile.
The man was impeccably dressed in an elegant black suit, his appearance reflecting professionalism.
Yet, his bright eyes revealed an excitement he could barely contain.
“Miss Seraphina, I am Nelson, the manager of this hotel,” Nelson greeted with a respectful bow.
“It’s truly an honor to host you tonight. When I heard you made the reservation, I immediately knew tonight would be special. I hope you and your guest enjoy the experience at Moont Hotel.”
Seraphina gave a small smile, maintaining her cordial demeanor.
“Of course, Manager Nelson. You and your staff have done an excellent job.”
Nelson’s smile widened, then he glanced at Dominic briefly before refocusing on Seraphina.
His eyes seemed to search for someone he admired, but they weren’t among them.
“Oh, pardon me, but I can’t help asking… Where is Mr. Max? I was really hoping to meet him tonight.”
He’d heard many great things about Max.
And most importantly, if it wasn’t for Max’s helping hand, his whole business would have gone bankrupt a few weeks ago, and his family wouldn’t have suffered.
He knew he owed Max his life, and many thanks.
Silence suddenly filled the room.
Seraphina, who had appeared elegant earlier, suddenly furrowed her brows, and her gaze turned cold.
Even Governor Darrus showed a tense expression.
That name made him feel uncomfortable from all aspect.
“Manager Nelson,” Seraphina’s voice turned sharp, “I suggest you don’t ruin the atmosphere by mentioning that name.”
Manager Nelson looked confused, standing frozen.
“I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean-”
“Max,” Seraphina interrupted with a mocking tone, “is nothing more than a dog we kept out of kindness.”
“Do you really think he’s as great and accomplished as the rumors say? It’s truly laughable how people admire something so undeserving!”
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0193
Max let go of Takeshi’s hand, then took one step forward. His voice, usually flat, now carried a cold fire that made the air in the arena feel sharp like ice."Enough with the formalities," he said firmly. "Now listen carefully. I did not come to Mount Alken to take positions or take your seniority." "I came for one reason to invite you to destroy the Demon Blood Cult that has ruled for far too long."Even the name alone changed the faces of the grandmasters. Some clenched their fists until their veins stood out."They kidnapped millions of civilians in the past year," Max continued, his voice even colder. "Children, women, even the elderly. Used as living sacrifices to summon high level demons." "The villages at the base of the mountain are empty. You who call yourselves grandmasters who protect the people, how long will you stay silent?"The respectful silence instantly turned into burning anger.An old grandmaster with a long white beard stood up, his face red. "We... we did n
0192
The arena was still frozen. Even the wind seemed afraid to move. Every eye was fixed on Max’s right hand that was calmly held out in the air, and on Takeshi’s hand that was still pressed against the dusty ground. Blood dripped slowly from the corner of the old man’s mouth, forming tiny red dots on the stone floor. His breath was shaky, but his eyes had not gone dim.The grandmasters under the stage held their breath at the same time. Some bit their lips, some were ready to shout if Takeshi refused that offered hand. After all, he was Takeshi the Iron Tiger, the oldest senior in the Alken Mountains, the man who never bowed to anyone except Lord Hades. To accept the hand of a city youth who was not even thirty? Impossible.They had already prepared words to protect Takeshi’s pride later. "It is only a polite gesture." "He will pull his hand back." "Do not worry, Senior Takeshi..."But the opposite happened. With a trembling hand, Takeshi lifted his dusty and bloody palm. His fi
0191
The arena suddenly turned cold.All the grandmasters lined up below the stone stage could only stare with their mouths open, as if they had just witnessed the god of thunder slap the earth. They stared at Takeshi, who was still lying face-down in the bushes with leaves stuck to his back, his body still shaking from the impact."W-what… just happened?""Senior… Senior Takeshi fell?""Impossible! He must have slipped!"One of the most stubborn grandmasters stepped forward, pointing at the bush-covered figure that used to be Takeshi. "Takeshi-sama was only distracted! That was an accident! Did you not see? The ground there is clearly uneven!"Yet everyone clearly saw Takeshi get thrown four meters after his punch was casually swatted aside by Max. But their denial was stronger than logic."Yes! Exactly!" another shouted. "There is no way Takeshi lost! He is a senior grandmaster!"But those ego-filled mouths slowly fell silent when Takeshi began to move.The old man groaned softly, pushin
0190
Takeshi steadied his breathing, trying to calm the heartbeat that had been racing wildly for the past few minutes. He looked at Max, who was still standing without any stance, as if his body was not even part of the duel.Slowly, Takeshi spoke. His voice carried a tremor he could not hide. “Young man, were you the one who moved the wind?”Max did not answer right away. He only looked at Takeshi with a calmness that did not fit someone facing death. Then he gave a small smile. “What do you think?”That simple answer sent chills from Takeshi's neck down to his back. If Max could move the wind to fight him, not with normal martial arts, but with pure power, then his level was far beyond human. Even beyond the grandmasters standing in a row below.Takeshi swallowed hard. His throat felt dry. But he still refused to believe that fear. He chose to deny it.“Nonsense!” he shouted suddenly, his voice echoing loud. “There is no way you can control the wind! It was only a coincidence! Yo
0189
Takeshi stepped forward with calm but commanding movements. The tip of his robe fluttered as he rotated his wrist, releasing a burst of aura that made the air around them tremble. He lowered his body a little, feet spread wide, both hands forming a fighting stance that he had trained for more than fifty years. The pressure from his body spread like waves, making the dust around the rocky platform spin slowly.In the distance, the other grandmasters cheered with confidence. “Senior Takeshi will win!” “That young man will regret it!”But Max only stood straight. Calm. Not taking any stance at all. One of his hands was even resting in his pocket, as if a life and death duel in front of martial arts legends was only a small practice that he did not need to think about.Max’s eyes were focused and calculating. He controlled his breathing. He held his inner power. He restrained the force flowing through his meridians so it would not rise too fast.“Do not go too hard,” Max whispered
0188
The grandmasters immediately seized Max’s offer before he even finished speaking.“Good! If you want to prove it, then prove it!” shouted the muscular grandmaster who had mocked him the loudest from the start.The others burst into laughter, their voices echoing off the stone cliffs.“Hey, boy! Don’t push your lies too far! Do you think you can fool us that easily?”“Be careful not to run away after this,” mocked the thin grandmaster whose aura pressure never stopped flaring.Their laughter grew louder.The cold mountain air was filled with a tone of mockery, as if Max was nothing more than a city clown showing cheap tricks to giants of the martial world.But in the middle of that noise, an old grandmaster with a long white beard who had been silently observing Max raised his hand slowly and cut through every sound in an instant.“Silence,” he said.A soft but commanding aura swept through the area, making the other grandmasters close their mouths reflexively.The old grandmaster step
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